What BART PD's newest hires did before joining the department

What BART's newest recruits did before joining the force
Officer Courtade, who grew up in the Bay Area, began his career with BART as a Station Agent, where he learned the value of patience, empathy, and problem-solving while serving thousands of daily riders.
Dispatcher Chhabra lead marketing teams at large companies and tech startups. She is a certified crisis counselor and has volunteered with the San Francisco Suicide Prevention Line and The Trevor Project.
Officer Canavesio graduated UC Davis with degrees in Environmental Science and Management and Native American Studies. He previously served as Facility Manager for the Homeless Prenatal Program in the Mission District.
Dispatcher Berumen recently earned her bachelor’s degree in health science with a focus on public health. During her studies, she gained experience in outreach, advocacy, and support services.
Smith began her law enforcement career in 2005 as a dispatcher and later held many training and supervisor positions. She is passionate about mentorship, team development, and promoting wellness in high-pressure environments.
Officer Williams graduated from CSU East Bay with a business-finance degree. Before BART, he was a Fan Engagement Associate for the 49ers, a dockhand at the San Pablo Reservoir, and a delivery driver and trainer for Amazon.
Officer Iosua worked in customer service for United Airlines. In 2023, she began training jiu jitsu, which gave her the confidence to embark on a career in law enforcement.
Officer Mendoza served in the US Army Reserve then as a transportation security officer at SFO. He joined BART PD to focus on serving his community and to continue his work in the transportation industry.
Officer Anguiano Capristo was an Explorer with Richmond PD and Campus Security Supervisor at a school in Richmond.
Officer Comeaux was driven to join law enforcement by a desire to serve as a positive role model to youth. Growing up in Stockton, he saw firsthand the impact of guidance and representation.
Officer Katz has a long history of public service, first as a Cavalry Scout in the US Army then as a police officer for Oakland PD, UC Berkeley PD, and Richmond PD.

The BART Police Department recently welcomed 11 new members during a formal pinning ceremony hosted by Chief of Police Kevin Franklin. 

The new hires were celebrated by the department and their families as Chief Franklin presented their badges and certificates. This is a significant achievement marking their official welcome to the force and the completion of their initial training.  

The new members of the team come from a variety of backgrounds, and we honor their unique experiences that will bolster the department’s ongoing focus on community-oriented progressive policing. 

Click thru the above slideshow to learn more about BART PD's newest members. To pause the slideshow, click and hold an image.

BART has been working to boost its safety presence in the system with significant recruitment efforts that help to ensure the department is fully staffed and able to respond to incidents swiftly and with appropriate resources. Read more about BART's safety efforts, including increasing officer and unarmed safety presence on trains and in stations, by visiting bart.gov/safeandclean. 

BART PD is actively hiring for a variety of roles, including non-sworn positions! To learn more about BART PD careers or to chat with a member of the BART PD team, visit JoinBARTPD.com. BART PD also hosts quarterly open houses (the next is in November) and virtual open houses. Details will be posted on the BART Police Department Facebook page.